Things to do in Faro, Algarve: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

July 28, 2021 Milan Banda

Faro is the best-known city in Portugal’s deservedly famous Algarve region. There’s an archaeological museum and a “Bishops’ Palace,” a Renaissance cathedral that was heavily bombed during World War II, but later rebuilt. Nearby in Estoi are Roman ruins, and Albufeira, also nearby, is a formerly quaint fishing village influenced by the Moors in the 8th century. It’s situated in a cliffside location, and has become famous for its beaches (there are 20) and nightlife.
Restaurants in Faro

1. Lonely Planet Experience: Highlights and Hidden Gems of Porto

Praça de Gomes Teixeira, 4050 Porto, Portugal Withlocals
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Meet your host at the Fountain of the Lions and get the perfect introduction to magical Porto. See what might look like one building but in reality, are two churches separated by the world’s narrowest house, and wander through Carlos Alberto Square for more treasures. Admire the imposing Clerigos Tower, and take a walk through Rua de Flores and Avenida dos Aliados. A tour in Porto would not be complete without a stop at the Sao Bento Station and the historical Porto Cathedral. Discover where the locals like to go out at night as you pass by the Cervejaria do Carmo and Embaixada do Porto. Explore the last Jewish Quarter in Porto and hear more about the struggles of the Jewish community in Portugal.Visit a local bakery where you’ll try their signature dish, empada de vitela (chicken pie). Every Lonely Planet Experience also comes with six months' free access to Lonely Planet's Guides app, which includes over 8,000 destination guides, and unbeatable discounts in the Lonely Planet store.

Inclusions: Local Guide

Exclusions: Pick up and drop off, Extra food and drinks

Reviewed By ginger_openside

Rui was a warm and genuine host to give us a introduction to Porto. He's passionate about the history and stories of Porto which really gave us a feel for the life of the city. Thank you Rui! We actually visited in March 2019.

2. Algarve Tour

iCAB Transfers
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Know the Algarve better, we will show you the best sights, including beach and mountains. Discover the Algarve in a more confortable way. Algarve tour provided without historical guiding.

Inclusions: Private tour

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By P9213PIkarolinam

Great taxi service for families, always in time and happy to help . Thank u so much for our transport where we needed . Reliability spot on ,cleanses spot on , safety spot on definitely will use it again if we go back to albuferia

3. Ria Formosa Natural Reserve Park Day Trip from Albufeira (Private tour)

Albufeira, Albufeira, Faro District, Algarve Zebra Safari Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Free pick up from the hotel with experienced multilingual driver. Departure for an 8 hours tour discovering one of the best hidden secrets of the Algarve. Natural reserve of Ria Formosa Islands.Starting in Faro to visit the historical center with a stop for tasting a regional cake (incl in the price); In Olhão we will embark for a great boat tour along the barrier islands with stops for a relaxing stroll by the golden sands and fishing villages. Will be a stop for lunch in one of the islands (not included in the price). Opportunity to visit the most traditional part of the fishing village and  the charismatic market with a wide variety of fresh sea products. On the way, driver will give full explanations about our heritage and traditions. Around the harbour its possible to seat in one of many terraces and enjoy a nice snack (not included in the price); .The day is passing and its time now to go back to your accomodation.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Boat tour, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off in designated areas only, all visits

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Coffee and/or Tea, Lunch

Reviewed By Traveler733421

We spent a wonderful day with our guides Luís and Diogo exploring somewhat remote parts of the Algarve. The guides were very knowlegeable and the driver was very experienced. We saw amazing landscapes, beautiful buildings, traditional towns and we even had the chance to bathe in a small but cozy water source. On top of this all, we ate at an amazing restaurant called "Paradise of Algarve" that totally lives up to its name thanks to its incredibly tasteful food and vegetarian options. We highly recommend this company and this tour in specific if you wish to spend a marvelous day. Rodrigo and Alicia.

4. 2 Days Private Tour In the Algarve from Lisbon

Walkborder Tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Two days Private Tour in the Algarve from Lisbon,  perfect for you that wish to visit the Algarve region, but do not know exactly where or how. The Algarve is a Portuguese region with approximately 200 kms from East to West, in this two days we suggest the visit to some of the most important places among them; Faro, Tavira, Albufeira, Lagos and Sagres, always with the historical accompaniment of each place and there main curiosities, this private tour can still be adjusted according to your interests or curiosity.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Boat Ride into the Caves in Lagos, Driver/guide, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Personal accidents insurance, WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, Hotels

Reviewed By FLWINCSC2020

Ruben was a great guide. He picked us up at the Lisbon airport and took us on a 4 hour tour of Sintra and Castle of the Moors. Hugo was easy to work with and responds quickly on email. Would recommend this tour and company.

5. Walking in Tavira: The Venice Of Algarve (Self-guided)

Faro, Faro, Faro District, Algarve BeCool Travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Walking in Tavira: The Venice Of Algarve is a Self-guided Walking Tour based in Tavira, in the East Algarve. Specially designed to explore the Algarve's countryside and the natural wonders of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, this walking tour is a treat for those who love nature coastal hikes full of wildlife, but also inland walks in overlooked parts of the Algarve, peaceful and rich in traditions.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, The Hotel: Maria Nova Lounge, 7 nights in a twin room (4 stars hotel), Single supplement applied in single rooms, Extra nights can be added, Transfers from Faro airport / Faro train station / Faro bus station to the Hotel on the first day, Transfers from the Hotel to Faro airport / Faro train station / Faro bus station on last day, Accommodation vouchers, Taxi vouchers, Emergency contact numbers, General information on your holiday, Directions for arriving at your first hotel, Walking / cycling maps, Foreign Office Travel Advice, Assistance 24/7, Trip documents can be provided in English or German.

Exclusions: Any services not listed as included, Flights to and from Portugal, Meals, tips/gratuities, baggage or personal insurance (except as outlined), Admission fees to castles & attractions or events (except as outlined), Personal expenses, Supplements.

Reviewed By jonasdexter

We took the tour on a cloudy day since it was a bit cold for the beach, and it was a great choice. The driver didn't speak much English but we manage to communicate. The Rio Formosa is absolutely stunning. We recommend

6. Faro and Tavira - Private from Albufeira

8200 Albufeira, Portugal GL Tours
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

A knowledgeable local guide will take you on memorable tour. Faro Old Town, Downtown, Marina Tavira Old Town, Castle, Roman Bridge

Inclusions: Liability and Personal Accident Insurances, Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off From Albufeira Town / Vilamoura + Toll / Parking fees

Exclusions: Lunch, Monuments, Museums,etc. Entrance Fees.

Reviewed By Joanna K

We booked GL Tours with Gabriel for 1 day. It was our last day in Portugal and Gabtiel shown us a few great spots on the way from Lagos to Faro from which we had a flight home. Gabriel drove us right to the most attractive points of cavoreiro and Abufeira and explained where to go, what to see and where to eat. Super option for the day. No worries with the transportation, parking and looking around when you have little time. Gabriel shown us hidden gems we would probably not find ourselves. We recommend strongly.

7. Faro - Private from Albufeira

Rua do Município, R. do Município, 8200 Albufeira, Portugal GL Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

A knowledgeable local guide will take you on memorable tour. Faro is one of the most underrated towns in this part of the world, and we’re going to make a point of giving it the credit it is due. A gorgeous old town and some of the region’s best churches demand nothing less. Old Town Downtown Marina

Inclusions: Liability and Personal Accident..., Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off From Albufeira Town / Vilamoura + Toll / Parking fees, Mandatory Licenses: RNAAT 743/2016 and RNAVT 6326

Exclusions: Monuments, Museums,etc. Fees.

Reviewed By Joanna K

We booked GL Tours with Gabriel for 1 day. It was our last day in Portugal and Gabtiel shown us a few great spots on the way from Lagos to Faro from which we had a flight home. Gabriel drove us right to the most attractive points of cavoreiro and Abufeira and explained where to go, what to see and where to eat. Super option for the day. No worries with the transportation, parking and looking around when you have little time. Gabriel shown us hidden gems we would probably not find ourselves. We recommend strongly.

8. The Historical West Algarve - Day Tour

BeCool Travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Wonder back in time to the era of the Portuguese Discoveries. We start our day tour in Silves, Algarve's Moorish capital, visit Lagos, and finish in Sagres, on the southwestern tip of Europe. Find secret places and special moments off the beaten path and discover the Algarve others do not know about!

Inclusions: The tour rate includes all taxes, personal guide/driver with car, hotel pick-up and drop-off., There are no hidden costs. , Gratuities for your tour guide are not included in tour fares, are payable at your discretion, Please be at your hotel lobby/ pick-up address at the time noted. , IMPORTANT: If you wish a different pick-up location you must inform us (extra fees apply).

Exclusions: Gratuities for your tour guide are not included in tour fares, are payable at your discretion, and are greatly appreciated.

Reviewed By kkirksilva

Very well organized. Easy walking in low lying coastal Algarve, staying in the same hotel throughout. We enjoyed having the same driver, Antonio, for airport transfers and journeys to the start of daily walks. A suggestion for us Americans - if you included miles along with km.

9. Lagos and Carvoeiro - Private from Faro

AP Eva Senses Hotel | Faro, Av. da República 1, 8000-078 Faro, Portugal GL Tours Faro
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

A knowledgeable local guide will take you on memorable tour. Lagos Old Town Ponta da Piedade Carvoeiro Beach Algar Seco Rock Formations

Inclusions: Liability and Personal Accident Insurances, Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off From Faro + Toll / Parking fees, Mandatory Licenses: RNAAT 743/2016 and RNAVT 6326

Exclusions: Approx. 1h free time for lunch on own. Due the diversity of people, we try to provide the best different Lunch restaurant tips. You can also bring your own Snack/Lunch., Monuments, Museums,etc. Entrance Fees.

Reviewed By michellecedr

We got to see such beautiful views today and learnt so much about the places and history around them thanks to our knowledgeable guide Gabriel! Highly recommend this trip. It is quite a long way from Faro but Gabriel ensures that the drive is entertaining as well.

10. Lagos and Sagres - Private from Faro

AP Eva Senses Hotel | Faro, Av. da República 1, 8000-078 Faro, Portugal GL Tours Faro
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

A knowledgeable local guide will take you on memorable tour. Lagos (Old Town) Ponta da Piedade . Sagres Cape Saint Vincent Lagos (Old Town) Ponta da Piedade Sagres Cape St. Vincent

Inclusions: Liability and Personal Accident Insurances, Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off From Faro + Toll / Parking fees, Mandatory Licenses: RNAAT 743/2016 and RNAVT 6326

Exclusions: Approx. 1h free time for lunch on own. Due the diversity of people, we try to provide the best different Lunch restaurant tips. You can also bring your own Snack/Lunch., Monuments, Museums,etc. Entrance Fees

Reviewed By kembleton

Gabriel is lovely, he kept in touch in the run up to pick up which was at our hotel in Albufeira, He is an excellent guide and knows a lot about the area and history, He understood what we liked and showed us areas where we could photograph and enjoy, We enjoyed lunch in a little cafe in Tavira with a local sandwich and beer, He even stopped off at home and grabbed us a few oranges from his families orange trees, If you want a tour with someone who is friendly, reliable and knows Portugal then Gabriel is your man

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